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1415 Ridgeback Road
Ste 3
Chula Vista, CA
Call: 619.421.5060
San Diego Dentist
Braces & Orthodontists FAQs
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What is orthodontics?
Who is an orthodontist?
What are some possible benefits of orthodontics?
What are some signs that braces may be needed?
At what age is orthodontic treatment recommended?
What is Phase I and Phase II treatment?
Would an adult patient benefit from orthodontics?
How does orthodontic treatment work?
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
Do braces hurt?
Will braces interfere with playing sports?
Will braces interfere with playing musical instruments?
Should I see my general dentist while I have braces?
WHAT IS ORTHODONTICS?
Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities.
WHO IS AN ORTHODONTIST?
An orthodontist is a specialist who has completed 4 years of dental school and has elected to specialize by completing an additional 2 to 3 years of advanced orthodontic training with an accredited educational program. This additional training allows him/her to learn the special skills required to manage tooth movement and guide facial growth and development.
WHAT ARE SOME POSSIBLE BENEFITS OF ORTHODONTICS?
- A more attractive smile
- Better function of the teeth
- Increased ability to clean the teeth
- Reduce the risk of injury to protruded front teeth
- Possible increase in self-confidence
- Better long term health of teeth and gums
- Improved force distribution and wear patterns of the teeth
- Guide permanent teeth into a more favorable position
- Aid in optimizing other dental treatment
WHAT ARE SOME SIGNS THAT BRACES MAY BE NEEDED?
- Upper front teeth protrude - teeth protrude excessively over the lower teeth, or are "bucked"
- Deep Bite - the majority of the lower teeth are covered by the upper teeth when biting together
- Under Bite - upper front teeth are inside or behind the lower front teeth
- Open Bite - upper and lower front teeth do not touch when closing jaw or biting together
- Crowding - crowded or overlapped teeth
- Finger or thumb sucking - habits which continue after six or seven years old
- Difficulty chewing
- Uneven Teeth - teeth that are wearing unevenly or excessively
- Deviated Jaw - The lower jaw shifts to one side or the other when biting together
- Spaces - gaps or spacing between the teeth
- Upper and Lower Teeth not Lined up - center of the upper and lower teeth do not line up
AT WHAT AGE IS ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT RECOMMENDED?
The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that a child's first orthodontic visit occur at age 7 or even earlier if a problem is detected by parents, your family dentist or your child's physician.
Orthodontic treatment can be started at any age. Many orthodontic problems are easier to correct and teeth more easily straightened when detected at an early age before slowing of growth of the jaw.
Early treatment may mean that patients can avoid more serious complications and surgery at later ages.
Interceptive orthodontics, or starting treatment at earlier ages rather than the older 12 - 14 year age range can help prevent extraction of permanent teeth.
WHAT IS PHASE I AND PHASE II TREATMENT?
Phase I, or early interceptive treatment, is limited orthodontic treatment (i.e. expander or partial braces) before all of the permanent teeth have erupted.
This early treatment can occur between the ages of six and ten. Treatment may be recommended in order to make more space for developing teeth, correction of overbites, underbites, crossbites or to control harmful oral habits.
Most of the time, a second phase of treatment is required. This second part of treatment usually takes place between the ages of eleven and thirteen and is referred to as Phase II Treatment.
WOULD AN ADULT PATIENT BENFIT FROM ORTHODONTICS?
Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age. Everyone wants a beautiful and healthy smile with healthy, straight teeth. In fact, 30 percent of our orthodontic patients are adults.
HOW DOES ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT WORK?
Braces apply a steady gentle pressure and cause teeth to gradually move into proper position.
The main components of braces are the brackets that are placed on your teeth and the archwire that connects them.
When the archwire is placed into the brackets, the wire tries to return to its original shape.
As the wire moves, it applies pressure to move your teeth into a more ideal position. During the process the tooth itself does not change shape, but simply moves into its new position.
HOW LONG DOES ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT TAKE?
The average treatment time is between one and two years but treatment times vary on a case-by-case basis.
For example, treatment times can be affected by patient age, the distance teeth need to be moved, the rate of growth and patient compliance.
Early treatment procedures or interceptive orthodontics, may take as little as six months.
Maintaining good oral hygiene, following Dr. Cruz's instructions and keeping regular appointments are critical in keeping treatment time on schedule.
DO BRACES HURT?
Having braces put on your teeth does not hurt. However, once the archwires are connected to your braces you may feel some pressure which will progress into soreness. The soreness typically lasts for 3 to 5 days.
In order to minimize discomfort, it's a good idea to take an anti-inflammatory, such as Tylenol or Advil, prior to the placement of your braces. Also, your lips and cheeks may need one to two weeks to get used to the braces. Our office provides all of our patients with comfort wax to help reduce this discomfort.
WILL BRACES INTERFERE WITH PLAYING SPORTS?
No. It is recommended, however, that patients protect their smiles by wearing a mouth guard while participating in any sporting activity. For those of you who don't have mouth guards ask our office for one.
WILL BRACES INTERFERE WITH PLAYING MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS?
No. However, there may be an initial period of adjustment.
SHOULD I SEE MY GENERAL DENTIST WHILE I HAVE BRACES?
Yes, you should continue to see your general dentist regularly for cleanings and dental checkups.
CAN YOU STILL WEAR BRACES WITH MISSING TEETH AND CROWNS?
Yes you can still use braces for straightening teeth. Missing teeth and crowns do not interfere with your use of braces and orthodontic treatment.
HOW CAN I HELP MY CHILD OVERCOME EMBARRASSMENT FROM WEARING BRACES?
You can focus on and explain all of the fantastic benefits of braces:
your child has the opportunity to design his or her own braces from a selection of 20 different colors.
They can pick different ones every time they have an appointment or can choose to use clear braces so that the brackets are
less noticeable. And help them remain focused on the end result - a great, happy smile.
Dr. Chris Cruz
Chula Vista Orthodontist
1415 Ridgeback Rd, Suite # 3
Chula Vista, CA 91910
Phone: 619.421.5060
Dental braces for Chula Vista orthodontist - East of San Diego CA - Chula Vista Orthodontics - serving primarily
Chula Vista, Eastlake, Otay Ranch, Bonita, La Jolla, Santee, Lakeside, California zip codes 91910, 92119, 92120, 92071, 92123 with orthodontic treatment for adults and children
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